How to Choose a Website Developer: 10 Questions to Ask First

Yes, we build websites too — so take this as advice from someone on the other side of the table. These are the questions we'd want any business owner to ask, including us.

1. "Can I see websites you've built for businesses like mine?"

Ask for live links, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone. Are they fast? Easy to use? Would you contact that business?

2. "Can I speak to one or two past clients?"

A good developer will happily connect you. Ask those clients: Was it delivered on time? Do they still respond when you need help?

3. "Who will own the domain, hosting and website?"

This is the most important question. The domain should be registered in your name, and you should receive all logins — domain, hosting, website admin. If you ever part ways, you shouldn't lose your website.

4. "What exactly is included?"

Get it in writing: number of pages, features, content writing, images, revisions, contact forms, basic SEO, mobile optimisation, training. Vague proposals lead to disputes later.

5. "Can I update the website myself?"

If you'll need to change timings, add photos, post updates or add courses, ask for a CMS (content management system) and a short training session. Otherwise, every small change means waiting for — and paying — the developer.

6. "Will it be fast and mobile-friendly?"

Ask how they handle image optimisation and speed. You can test their past work yourself using Google's free PageSpeed Insights tool.

7. "What SEO basics are included?"

At minimum: page titles and descriptions, proper headings, image alt text, a sitemap, Google Search Console setup, and a link to your Google Business Profile. A developer who says "SEO is extra" for these basics is skipping essentials.

8. "What happens after launch?"

Ask about support, bug fixes, security updates, backups and renewals. How long is support included? What does ongoing maintenance involve? Who renews the domain and hosting each year?

9. "How long will it take — and what do you need from me?"

Delays often come from missing content: logo, photos, service descriptions, doctor/faculty details. Ask for a list up front, and a realistic timeline with milestones.

10. "How do payments work?"

Milestone-based payments (e.g. part in advance, part on design approval, rest on launch) protect both sides. Be careful with anyone asking for 100% up front with no written scope.

Red flags to watch for

• They register the domain in their own name
• No portfolio, or portfolio sites that no longer work
• Promises like "Guaranteed #1 on Google"
• Unusually low quotes with no clear scope
• They won't give you admin access
• Slow or unclear communication before you've even paid

Before you contact any developer, prepare this

• What your business does and who your customers are
• What you want the website to achieve (calls, bookings, enquiries, trust)
• 2–3 websites you like, and why
• Your logo, photos and basic content
• Pages and features you think you need — try our Website Planner